Southern Salmon Patties

Southern Salmon Patties are the perfect combination of comfort food and kitchen simplicity. Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, these classic patties—also called salmon cakes or croquettes—are a Southern staple made with humble ingredients like canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and onion. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, a satisfying brunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers rich flavor and hearty goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Southern Salmon Patties

this recipe

Southern comfort on a plate – Feels like Sunday dinner with Grandma
Fast & fuss-free – Done in under 30 minutes
Budget-friendly – Canned salmon keeps it affordable
Nutritious & protein-packed – Great source of omega-3s
Kid-approved – Crispy, golden, and totally dippable
Versatile – Serve with anything from grits to greens

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pink salmon, drained and flaked
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ to ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (optional)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prep the salmon
   Drain the canned salmon and remove large bones if desired. Flake it in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix ingredients
   In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Add to the salmon along with breadcrumbs, onion, seasonings, and herbs. Stir gently until just combined. If the mix is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add 1 tbsp mayo or milk.
3. Form patties
   Shape mixture into 6–8 equal-sized patties, about ½ inch thick. For extra crispiness, dredge lightly in flour.
4. Heat oil
   Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. Cook the patties
   Add patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping too soon.
6. Drain and serve
   Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Serve hot with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6–8 patties

Nutrition Facts (Per Patty)

Calories: ~190
Protein: 14g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Omega-3s: High

Tips & Variations

• Use panko for crunch – They give a crispier finish than standard breadcrumbs
• Add heat – Mix in cayenne, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños
• Chill before shaping – Helps patties hold their shape better during cooking
• Leftover salmon works too – Just flake it and proceed as usual
• Add bell peppers – For color, crunch, and extra nutrition

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon?
Yes! Cooked and flaked salmon works perfectly. You’ll need about 1½ cups.

No eggs?
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water) or 1 tbsp mayo per egg as a binder.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, cornflakes, or almond flour can be used instead.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
Don’t skip the eggs, use enough binder, and chill the mixture before shaping if it’s too soft.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Southern-style:
Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, and collard greens.

Brunch twist:
Top a salmon patty with a fried egg and serve alongside cheesy grits.

Light and fresh:
Pair with a lemony arugula salad and roasted sweet potatoes.

As a sandwich:
Serve on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate leftovers
Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep them crispy.

Freeze for later
Freeze raw or cooked patties flat on a tray. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags. Cook straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.

Make ahead
Form patties up to 1 day in advance and keep chilled until ready to cook.

Southern Salmon Patties

A Southern classic—crispy, savory, and full of comfort. These salmon patties are quick to make and always a hit.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 21 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 can 15 oz salmon, drained and flaked
• – 2 eggs
• – ½ cup chopped onion
• – ½–¾ cup breadcrumbs
• – 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions optional
• – ½ tsp garlic powder
• – ½ tsp salt
• – ¼ tsp pepper
• – 1 tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning optional
• – ¼ cup flour optional, for dredging
• – 2–3 tbsp oil or butter for frying

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Spatula
• – Paper towels

Method

 

1. Mix salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, and seasonings in a bowl. Adjust texture with extra crumbs or mayo.
2. Form 6–8 patties. Optional: dredge in flour for crispiness.
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium.
4. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
5. Drain and serve hot with lemon or tartar sauce.

Notes

– Chill mixture if too soft
– Use fresh or leftover salmon if preferred
– Add chopped peppers or hot sauce for variety

Conclusion

There’s a reason Southern Salmon Patties have stood the test of time—they’re easy, affordable, and absolutely crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, entertaining guests, or cooking for yourself on a weeknight, these crispy little cakes are guaranteed to impress. You’ll come back to this recipe time and time again.